TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) \u2014 Thousands of pounds of food arrived at Feeding Tampa Bay on Thursday as part of a nationwide effort to combat hunger and encourage community service ahead of America\u2019s 250th anniversary.<\/p>\n
The donation, totaling 40,000 pounds of food, was delivered through the America Gives initiative, a campaign organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with America250. The effort aims to send 250 truckloads of food to communities in all 50 states.<\/p>\n
Nexstar gives $5,000 donation to Tampa foundation dedicated to helping children with chronic illnesses <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe decided to send 250 truckloads out to all 50 states to commemorate the America 250 celebration,\u201d said Casey Hess, president of the Tampa Florida Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. \u201cAll year, we\u2019re sending out truckloads of food to different cities across America.\u201d<\/p>\n The shipment included pantry staples and household essentials such as macaroni, beans, corn, dry milk and other food items. Once sorted, Feeding Tampa Bay will distribute the supplies to families facing food insecurity throughout its service area.<\/p>\n \u201cAll through the greater Tampa area, from Citrus County all the way through Hillsborough, Pasco, all of our counties that Feeding Tampa Bay services will be distributing the food out to the local community,\u201d Hess said.<\/p>\n Organizers say the donation will help provide hundreds of thousands of meals to families in need while also highlighting the importance of volunteerism and community service.<\/p>\n \u201cWe get the opportunity to serve our neighbors and love one another,\u201d Hess said. \u201cNo matter our religious, political backgrounds, we\u2019re all in this country together, and we need to serve our neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n People interested in volunteering can find opportunities through\u00a0JustServe.org<\/a>\u00a0as the nationwide campaign continues leading up to the country\u2019s semiquincentennial celebration in 2026.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n